Services

Full Executive Search

We adopt a focused and personalized approach to identify candidates who meet your needs and match your company culture. Our thorough process goes beyond merely filling a position; it’s about finding the ideal fit for your team through our targeted search method.

We support you every step of the way, from the initial search and interviews to psychometric assessments and reference checks. We also assist with offer negotiations and onboarding, ensuring your new hire is prepared for long-term success.

Here is how it works

1. Information Meeting

We begin by meeting with your selection committee and key stakeholders to understand your organization’s objectives, structure, and culture, and how this position contributes to your broader goals.
This stage ensures alignment on expectations, communication protocols, and the overall strategy before moving forward.

2. Position Definition and Profile Development

Using the insights from our information meeting, we build the foundation of the search by clearly defining the role and crafting materials that effectively communicate it. These documents ensure accuracy, consistency, and authenticity in presenting the opportunity to the market.

3. Targeted Search and Candidate Engagement

We create, implement, and follow through on a very in-depth targeted recruitment process that is customized for each search to source the best possible candidates for each position.

4. Screening and Evaluation

Our 2-step screening process is the secret to our success. We don’t just focus on what candidates can do, we also look at who they are to ensure they will be a good fit in the culture of your organization.

5. Shortlist Presentation

We meet with your search committee to share our findings, present a longlist of qualified candidates, and recommend a shortlist for formal interviews. All candidates are assessed using the same criteria using the same criteria to ensure a fair, consistent, and objective process.

6. Interview Stage

We are present throughout the interview process. We manage logistics, provide customized interview guides and questions, attend interviews as needed, and act as the liaison between you and candidates to ensure clear communication, timely feedback, and a seamless experience.

7. Reference and Background Checks

Once preferred candidates are identified, Essence conducts comprehensive reference and background checks to validate all aspects of their profile. This may include professional reference checks, social media screening, background and criminal record checks where appropriate, and optional psychometric assessments. All findings are compiled into a summary report and reviewed with you before the final selection.

7. Offer Negotiation and Onboarding Support

We guide both your organization and the successful candidate through the offer and transition stage, ensuring a fair, competitive package and a smooth acceptance process. We facilitate clear communication, provide onboarding support when needed, and remain engaged after the hire with follow-up in the first month and quarterly check-ins to support long-term success.

Project-Based Search

Not every organization needs a full executive search. But no organization can afford a weak hiring process.

Our Project-Based Search Services are built for not-for-profits that want an expert search strategy without committing to a full retained engagement. When time is tight, internal capacity is stretched, or the role doesn’t require a full executive mandate, we step in with structure, clarity, and seasoned judgment.

This isn’t posting and hoping.

It’s disciplined, strategic hiring done properly.

What We Bring to the Table